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School spokesman takes job in energy, won’t be replaced

After eight and a half years as School District 51 spokesman, Jeff Kirtland will become senior communications specialist Monday for WPX Energy in Parachute.

Kirtland said he left the district March 20 because he wanted to pursue a new opportunity in public relations. He served as a spokesman for St. Mary’s Hospital before joining the school district.

“My goal has always been to grow my experience in different industries,” Kirtland said.

He will commute to Parachute from Grand Junction and will represent WPX’s operations in the Piceance Basin and Green River, Wyo. Kirtland most recently earned a salary of $75,970 as District 51’s director of communications.

District 51 Communications Specialist Christy McGee will take over most of Kirtland’s former responsibilities at the school district. McGee said the district has yet to decide whether she will get a new title or a raise for taking on extra duties, but it has been decided that Kirtland’s position will not be filled by a new employee.